Taguig ramps up andti-drugs info campaign

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City governmet has stepped up its fight against illegal drugs in the city with an information drive directed at students of the city's schools and their parents.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the city government is actively reaching out to parents and students, through the collaborative efforts of schools and teachers, to eradicate the drug menace in the city through an intensified information campaign.

As part of the drive, Cayetano said the Department of Education Taguig-Pateros Division office (DepEd-TaPat) will be conducting seminars on the negative impact of illegal drug abuse in all 34 of the city’s public elementary and high schools.

Aside from students, teachers and parents are also encouraged to attend these seminars as they are also stakeholders in the fight against illegal drugs.

Cayetano believes that while proper information about the dangers of illegal drugs is an effective way to prevent drug abuse among schoolchildren, it is equally important for parents to raise their children properly and strengthen their resolve against the temptation of illegal substances.

“I believe in using positive discipline or a non-violent approach of raising children to promote an ideal environment that fosters self-discipline, sound moral values and high self-esteem. Having these three qualities will help children stay away from prohibited drugs,” she said.

Since 2011, Cayetano said efforts to involve students in public schools have been institutionalized through the Student Anti-Drug Action Center (SADAC), which is composed of student leaders from the Student Government and the Supreme Student Government.

Under the SADAC program, students facing drug problems are being encouraged to seek help thorugh the student leaders.

According to DepEd-TaPat Division Administration Officer George P. Tizon, the SADAC program was strengthened and really implemented only during Cayetano's term as city mayor.

“It is possible that some students are afraid to talk to teachers or some higher authority. With SADAC, we are encouraging those students who are dealing with such problems to confide to their fellow student to ease the tension,” said Tizon.

Tizon also said they are urging teachers to incorporate drug awareness in their lessons and to put up signages to remind students of the dangers of illegal drugs use.

Cayetano said the information campaign will play an important role in the city's fight against illegal drugs.

"This campaign in public schools is just a part of a bigger picture. I have always said that drugs are not welcome in Taguig and I want to impart that rule to our children,” said Mayor Lani.